Pagination

Rustic X Console Table

Build the super popular Rustic X Console Table. This woodworking project has been built thousands of times and loved the world over. Its made of construction lumber (yes, 2x4s!) and the plans are easy to follow. Free step by step plans from Ana-White.com.

Easier to Build Option: Farmhouse Console Table Plans

For beginner or novice builders, we have added a easy to build option for this plan, the Farmhouse Console Table plans. It does NOT require pocket hole screws and is less expensive to build (but there is exposed screw holes). There is also a video tutorial to help with the build.

4 – 2x2 @ 11 1/4" (longest point to shortest point, long end cut at 60 degrees off square, short point cut at 30 degrees off square, angles are in same direction)

3 – 2x6 @ 74 1/2"

Cutting Instructions

NOTE: If your saw does not cut 60 degrees off square, you will need to mark cuts with an angle square or compass/protractor and cut angles with circular saw or jigsaw. Practice this cut first on scraps!

Tools

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

First build two frames as shown in diagram.

Step 2

Then attach frames to shelves. NOTE: I recommend drilling 3/4" pocket holess with Kreg Jig around all sides of each shelf for attaching all shelf trim with 1 1/4" Pocket Hole screws later on.

Step 3

2x4 end supports need to be the same width as your 1x12 boards - expected to be 11 1/4" wide. Measure the width of your 1x12s and cut the 2x4 supports to match this width.

Attach to frames and shelves. For attaching to frames, use 1-1/2" pocket holes with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.

Step 4

Add trim to the shelf.

Step 5

The X can be cut by just placing the uncut board alongside it's permanent position, and marking the overlap with a pencil, and then cutting the pencil lines with a circular saw or jigsaw.

First do the longer piece, then place inside the project, but don't attach yet.

The figure the smaller piece cuts and make those cuts.

Fit the smaller pieces in the project, and trace where they need to be joined to the larger piece.

Remove all pieces and attach the smaller pieces to the longer piece.

Then place the entire X inside the opening and attach.

Step 6

And then add the top. You can build top first with 1 1/2" pocket holes and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws and then attach to top through 2x4/2x2 aprons or just plank the top for a rustic look - it's up to you.

TIP: Just use your 2 1/2" pocket hole screws to attach the top so you don't have to go out and buy more 2 1/2" screws.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Help Improve This Plan

We apologize if there was an error in this plan. Please help us out and report any errors here.

Comments

Drill pocket holes into the underside of the shelf where it lines up with the legs and the 2x2 face frame. If you decide not to use pocket holes, then countersink screws from the legs and the face frame into the middle shelf. I would definitely recommend pocket holes. Once you watch the video that comes with the kreg jig (or on the Kreg website) you'll see how easy it is.

Update: I ended up making my x's crosses! It was a gift for my preachers wife and it came to me after I went to bed that why don't I just make them straight edged crosses? They looked awesome :)
I will try to post a picture if I can figure that out hahaa

I would like to use this same idea but as a 46" wide by 6 ft tall bookcase, How do I convert this and know how much wood I need? The room I'll put it in is old knotty pine so I want to try to match that finish. Any ideas will help. I have been after my husband to build bookcase for many years but I thought I would try to build it myself if I could get easy clear instructions. All help would be appreciated!! Thanks, Bebe

This is a great table! I can't thank you enough for sharing your knowledge with the public. What a sense of accomplishment when someone who doesn't have any woodworking experience can build such a nice table. Quick question: I know you said you got the hex bolts from Lowe's and painted them... but how did you attach them? Did you just pre-drill a hole and screw them in? Did you use nuts on the reverse side and a washer in front? I'm worried I will strip the wood. They are just 1/2" x 1" right? Thanks again for all the help!!